Throughout most of the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament, Cyrus Nitura had been a crucial component of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s team.
The 6-foot-4 do-it-all wing skillfully led the Altas’ offense as a jumbo-sized playmaker while also effectively defending against the opposing team’s best scorer.
As the third leading scorer for the Altas in only his second year of play, Nitura averaged 10.58 points, 6.92 rebounds, 3.08 assists, and 1.17 steals in 12 games played during the season.
However, in the Altas’ 72-61 victory over Final Four contender Jose Rizal University, Nitura was noticeably absent from the court. The reliable wing only played for three minutes and 42 seconds and failed to score.
Third-year Altas head coach Myk Saguiguit later explained the benching after the game, stating that he believed Nitura had not fulfilled his responsibilities on both ends of the court during the game.
“About Cyrus kasi ayoko siyang ilagay sa position na marami siyang turnovers. Sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘Cy, kapag hindi ka dumepensa diyan, you’re not doing your thing to help us win the game, hindi ka makakakuha ng minuto.’ At the start panget agad yung bunot sa kanya nagtapon kaagad ng bola,” explained Saguiguit.
Despite the benching, Saguiguit had no doubts that Nitura would regain his form during the season.
“Cyrus is a very big part of this team sa Perpetual kasi one of the main guys iyan eh. Iaayos lang namin siya. He’s gonna go back. Second year playing the NCAA, darating yan diyan. Alam niya yan,” he continued.
It took just one game for Nitura to demonstrate his importance to the Altas again. He followed up his scoreless three-minute appearance with a near triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals, with only one turnover in the process.
Nitura’s excellence helped the Altas secure a much-needed 81-74 victory over also-ran Arellano Chiefs as they continued their push for a spot in the Final Four. Saguiguit himself was elated with Nitura’s performance and shared light-hearted banter with the wingman after the game.
“Nagusapan kami sabi ko pag nagerror ka, assistant coach kita, eh maganda yung start niya so hindi mababa minutes niya. Muntik pa nga magtriple-double eh, pero hindi talaga kasi assists yung kulang tatlo eh hindi naman mamamasa yan,” quipped Saguiguit.
For Nitura, the previous benching was not the only motivating factor for his outstanding performance; he was also inspired by high praise from his idol and current team manager, Scottie Thompson.
“Talagang trabaho lang din talaga, pero kasi dati nag-usap kami [ni Scottie], sabi niya nakikita niya sarili niya sa akin. Idol ko siya kasi masipag,” shared Nitura.
The comparison between the two Altas is like night and day, as both take pride in their hustle and dedication on both ends of the court while also excelling as playmakers for their teammates.
With Nitura in top form, the Altas look forward to a rematch with San Beda University, who stand in their way on the path to the Final Four. The two teams will face off on Friday at 4:00 p.m.
